Here are our expert's top tips to keep you in fighting form this festive season

MOST of the season’s anxieties are easily solved, such as worrying about when you’ll have time to get to the shops, or running out of food (pretty irrational, considering supermarkets close for only one day) and stressing about under/overcooking the turkey (a meat thermometer is a cheap way round that).

But certain snags can threaten the fun. Family members with colds, friends with hangovers, partners with indigestion – and that’s before we get to children feeling sick after eating too many sweets and chocolate.

But never fear, your kitchen is a treasure trove of natural preventives and cures for many prevalent holiday-season complaints.

9 Superfoods that can save your life

9 Superfoods to help you live longerGettyNuts - Just 1oz of nuts a days can reduce risk of heart diseaseGetty Images/Dorling KindersleyEgg Yolks - This superfood contains protein, antioxidants, vitamins A, B2, B5, B12 and Iron, plus Choline for brain healthGetty ImagesLiver - One serving of liver is incredibly nutritious and contains; folate, copper, Vitamin A, B2, B12, B3, B5 and B6Getty ImagesGarlic - Numerous studies have shown the health benefits of garlic, including its ability to kill bacteria and lower cholesterol and blood pressureGetty ImagesSweet potato - Due to their orange colour, sweet potatoes are high in carotenoids, an antioxidant with cancer fighting abilitiesGetty ImagesSalmon - This fish is very high in Omega-3 fatty acids to help lower the risk of dementia and cardiovascular diseaseGetty ImagesBlueberries - These are bite-sized immunity boosters and contain the most active antioxidants of any fresh fruits, given their high levels of anthocyaninGetty ImagesKale - 100g of Kale contains 10 times the RDA for Vitamin K1 and 2-3 times the levels of Vitamins A and CGetty ImagesCoconut oil - High in natural saturated fats, this oil can improve blood cholesterol levels and lower the risk of heart diseaseGetty Images

9 Superfoods to help you live longer

Getty

“Avoid stuffing yourself full and make sure you chew food properly, otherwise the digestive system has to work harder, producing gas as a side effect.”

INDIGESTION

Spicy foods: Popular curry ingredients such as chilli, onion and garlic stimulate acid production in the stomach.

So go easy on the spice in this year’s Boxing Day turkey curry and add herbs for flavour instead.

GETTY

Cure your hangover by eating bananas

Fat: Fatty foods such as creamy sauces and fry-ups can slow down digestion, increasing the likelihood of indigestion as they sit in the stomach for longer.

Caffeine: Hot drinks such as coffee and tea cause the stomach to produce more acid, which can lead to heartburn (a side effect of indigestion).

Swap builder’s tea for herbal brews and, if you really can’t do without your morning pick-me-up eat something with your coffee to help line the stomach.

Turmeric root: A compound in turmeric called curcumin has been linked to improved immunity.

GETTY

Studies have shown that garlic can help you fight that stubborn cold

Blend a little into your breakfast smoothie, grate into curry or rub on to meat with lime zest before grilling.

Sweet potatoes: These provide beta-carotene which the body transforms into vitamin A, an important nutrient for immunity.

Serve them in place of regular spuds, whether baked, mashed or cut into wedges and roasted with a little oil.

Garlic: Some studies suggest garlic may boost immunity and help combat colds, thanks to its allicin content. Blend with fresh basil, spinach, olive oil, nuts and parmesan to make pesto.

Jennifer says: “Many nutrients play a role in keeping our immunity strong. Eating a balanced diet is the best way to achieve this.”

Top 15 hangover cures

Sex, simple, just have sex and your hangover will feel x10 betterGetty Images•Blend ImagesBlend up a tropical hangover, put super hydrating coconut water, energy-boosting apple juice, kiwi and a touch of honey and say goodbye to that hangoverGetty Images•Westend61Take a multivitamin after a night of drinking, it helps replenish nutrients and process the toxins in alcoholGetty ImagesThe most obvious and fave of curing a hangover, REST, get some sleep in you, if you don't have work the next day that isGetty ImagesShower, steam room or sauna! Clean your skin with one of these and get rid of those alcoholic toxinsGetty ImagesHair of the dog, prolongs the pain but if you feel it does help you, try a bloody mary to wean yourself off the hangoverGetty Images•Cultura RMCaffeine is a stimulant and will help you feel less tired, but it can also dehydrate you, like alcohol, so drink plenty of water tooGetty Images•EyeEmIf you can't be bothered to make a super juice, drink some coconut water and it will majorly help you rehydrateGetty Images•Moment OpenSports drinks help replace the electrolytes you've lost in your body from drinking, bouillon, fruit juice or pickle juice also do the jobGetty Images•MaskotMilk thistle, always consult a doctor before taking supplements, this herbal extract is said to work asGetty Images•Moment OpenGet moving and some fresh air, now don't go running a marathon but go for a walk to move toxins out through our lympathic systemGetty ImagesHigh quality protein, you want to reduce fat intake while you're cleansing and protein helps your body deal with blood sugar problems, like the amount alcohol gives you, so eggs, oats, broccoli, garlicGetty ImagesEat smart carbs, bananas, potatoes, these inject badly-need vitamins and antioxidants into your systemGetty Images•EyeEmWater, sounds obvious and it is, it's also cheap - Drink two large glasses of warm water to help the hangoverGetty ImagesLemon and water, drink 10 mins after having water as the alkaline in the lemon will help your hangoverGetty Images•Moment RF

Sex, simple, just have sex and your hangover will feel x10 better

Getty Images•Blend Images

STRESS

Watermelon: Even mild dehydration can leave you feeling irritable. As the name suggests, watermelon has a high-water content so can help top up fluid levels.

It’s great for snacking on, or try blending with lemon juice and coconut water for a refreshing drink.

Oats: They release their energy slowly to keep blood sugar levels stable, preventing the dips that are often associated with feeling irritable.

Enjoy a bowl of porridge for breakfast, with fruit and cinnamon for natural sweetness. Or top oatcakes with hummus or nut butter for a stress-busting snack.

Salmon: Protein-rich foods such as salmon are rich in an amino acid called tryptophan which the body uses to make serotonin in the brain, helping to keep us calm.

Flake poached salmon and stir through hot pasta with peas, a little low-fat soft cheese and lemon juice for a satisfying supper.

Jennifer says: “Skipping meals or not eating enough will leave you hungry and irritable, lacking in energy and struggling to concentrate.

“Make time for regular meals. Planning menus in advance and stocking up on quick, easy ingredients can be useful.

“Add in some yoga or meditation if you can. Even swapping public transport for walking can help you to manage stressful situations with renewed calm.”

HANGOVER

Juicy fruits: Dehydration is one of the main causes of hangover symptoms so getting plenty of fluids is crucial.

If you can’t face a lot of water, eating juicy fruits, such as berries and citrus or tropical fruit, is a palatable way to do this.

Slice and toss persimmon with pineapple and lime zest for a fruit salad. Or blend berries with yogurt and cinnamon for a smoothie to help you feel better.

Eggs: Studies have shown that cysteine, one of the amino acids (protein building blocks) in eggs, can counteract acetaldehyde, a chemical that’s produced in the body when alcohol is broken down and causes the typical symptoms of a hangover.

Bananas: Alcohol lowers blood sugar, so top up levels naturally with bananas. Whizz into a smoothie with berries, serve sliced with pancakes or mash and spread on wholegrain toast.

Jennifer says: “Prevention is better than cure. Stick to safe government guidelines: a weekly maximum of 14 units with at least two alcohol-free days every week.